FAA Approves MD Explorer 902 Gross Maximum Weight Increase to 6,770 lb.
Aircraft Certification Adds 270 lb. of Payload Capabilities
Mesa, Ariz. – MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the MD Explorer 902 certification at an increased maximum gross weight of 6,770 lbs. (3,070 kg.). The extra payload of 270 lbs. (122 kg.) allows operators in every market segment to further leverage the superior mission capabilities of this versatile aircraft.
“We are pleased that the certification is complete,” said Carl Schopfer, President of MDHI. “The approval paves the way for a new set of equipment and technology configurations that will raise the mission versatility of the Explorer 902 to new heights for our operators. While the capabilities of the aircraft have always been superior, the certification confirms the MD Explorer’s position as the world’s most capable light twin.”
Powered by two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW207E engines, the MD Explorer features a fully articulated main rotor system, bearingless composite flexbeams and rotor hub. Anti-torque control is provided by the revolutionary NOTAR system that reduces pilot workload, external noise levels and significantly improves safety in confined areas and on offshore platforms.
The six-place MD Explorer cabin is the largest in the light twin class and is accessed through two 52 inch (1.32m) sliding cabin doors and a large baggage compartment. Energy absorbing, stroking cabin seats meet stringent FAR Part 27.562 requirements up to 30g at 30 feet per second. The large cabin makes the MD Explorer ideally suited for rapid role change from an Offshore/Onshore six-place passenger transport to Emergency Medical Services or Law Enforcement missions. Large selections of optional equipment have been fully qualified to meet various operational requirements. A heavy-duty cargo hook permits more than 3,000-pound (1360-KG) external load operations.
MD Explorer safety and maintainability are enhanced by built-in HIRF and lightning strike protection, built-in maintenance steps and platforms, and an advanced composite airframe that is resistant to corrosion in a hostile marine environment.
Visit MD Helicopters in booth N4121 at the 2013 HELI-EXPO, to meet with product specialists and explore the impressive capabilities of the Explorer 902.
MD 540F Aircraft Successfully Completes First Phase of Weapons Platform Testing
Aircraft Displays Exceptional Performance and Target Accuracy During Successful Live Firing Exercises
Mesa, Ariz. – MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, announced that the MD 540F aircraft has successfully completed the first phase of live fire exercises. The firing exercise is one milestone in a development plan to complete overall validation and eventual FAA certification of the new aircraft.
During the week of Feb. 25, the MD 540F was put to the test at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds to commence qualification of its weapons platform. The 540F is engineered to support an advanced, lightweight weapons platform with four stations. Various mixes of guns, rockets and missiles can be carried simultaneously. The aircraft successfully completed the first phase of live fire exercises, including fifteen engagements with M3P .50-Caliber guns. Additional validation testing was completed on the L3 Wescam MX-10D sensor and the Mace Aviation weapons platform. The aircraft responded extremely well and demonstrated exceptional performance during hover, diving and running fire engagements. Subsequent weapons platform testing will be conducted later this year to confirm MD 540F performance and precision strike capabilities with laser-guided rockets and Hellfire missiles.
“We are extremely pleased with the results of the live firing exercise and overall in-flight performance of the 540F aircraft,” said Ms. Lynn Tilton, CEO of MDHI. “Our steadfast aim is to deliver a robust light attack helicopter with the lethal strike power, stability and accuracy only available in much larger and more costly aircraft. As we have demonstrated to the U.S. Army on multiple occasions and past programs, the 540F development program will remain on schedule and deliver exceptional performance on all fronts.”
In September 2012 the 540F completed its voluntary flight demonstration for Armed Aerial Scout with the U.S. Army. The 540F is an upgrade to the popular MD 530F; boasting a 6-bladed, fully articulated rotor blade system made up entirely of composite material, in addition to a more rugged landing skid built for heavier take-off and landing weights. MDHI engineers have bolstered performance to achieve a dramatic increase in max gross take-off weight and useful load capability. This increase will allow the MD 540F to carry a full avionics and weapons package while hovering at 6,000 feet/95°F.
Visit MD Helicopters in booth N4121 at the 2013 HELI-EXPO, to meet with product specialists and to witness the armed version of the MD 540F.
MD 540F Armed Scout Helicopter to Be Powered by New Rolls-Royce M250-C47E Engine
Advanced Engine Increases Hot and High Power and Reduces Specific Fuel Consumption to Maximize Mission Performance
Mesa, Ariz. – MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, announced that it has selected the Rolls-Royce M250-C47E engine to power its MD 540F armed scout helicopter.
“The M250-C47E is decisively matched with the performance capabilities of the MD 540F,” said Carl Schopfer, President of MDHI. “This engine will efficiently deliver all the power necessary to achieve hot and high performance, while surpassing the increased payload demands of our weapons platform. Similar to the 540F, this engine has evolved from a mission proven platform and utilizes the latest technology to advance aircraft performance.”
The increased useful load capabilities of the MD 540F, will allow the armed version of the aircraft to carry an advanced, lightweight weapons platform with four stations. Various mixes of guns, rockets and missiles will be carried simultaneously. The MD 540F is an upgrade to the popular MD 530F, with bolstered performance to achieve a dramatic increase in max gross take-off weight and useful load capability. The aircraft boasts a 6-bladed, fully articulated rotor blade system made up entirely of composite material, in addition to a more rugged landing skid built for heavier take-off and landing weights.
The M250-C47E takes the outstanding performance of the -C47M and joins it with the Value Improvement Package (VIP) and a new, dual-channel FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control). The engine design includes a similar mounting configuration to the -C47M models.
The new enhancement will feature a 5 percent improvement in ‘hot and high’ power as well as Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) reduction throughout the engine operating envelope, and increased engine reliability. In addition to power improvement, the C47E delivers a 2 percent reduction in fuel consumption, and a nearly 8 percent increase in rated take-off power at 700 shaft horsepower. The engine will provide the power needed to allow the MD 540F to carry a full avionics and weapons package while hovering at 6,000 feet/95°F.
We welcome you to visit MD Helicopters in booth N4121 at the 2013 HELI-EXPO, to meet with product specialists and to witness the armed version of the MD 540F.
MD Helicopters Commemorates 20 Years of MD Explorer
- Helicopter Revolutionized Rotorcraft Safety and Noise Reduction with First Introduction of NOTAR Technology in a New Aircraft Design
- Advanced Airframe Performance and Configuration Versatility Set Benchmark for Light-Twin Category
Mesa, Ariz. – MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, announced the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the first flight of the legendary MD Explorer aircraft. The MD Explorer 900 completed its maiden flight Dec. 18, 1992, setting extraordinary benchmarks for performance and safety advancements, in the light twin category. The Explorer was the first production aircraft to incorporate the revolutionary NOTAR system in its initial design. With 20 years of mission proven flight, the advanced design of the airframe combined with NOTAR technology, still today, sets the bar for quiet operation, safety, versatility and low cost operation.
“Twenty years ago, the MD Explorer introduced the world to the future of rotorcraft design,” said Ms. Lynn Tilton, CEO of MDHI. “Still today, the MD Explorer boasts the most advanced airframe in the light twin category, and the many significant advantages exclusive to NOTAR technology. On behalf of the men and women who worked tirelessly to develop this aircraft and our exceptional group of operators that depend on the Explorer 902 to accomplish critical missions, we celebrate this most important 20th anniversary milestone. ”
Development of the aircraft began in January 1989, with McDonnell Douglas Helicopters. FAA certification for the Explorer 900 was granted in 1994, with JAA certification following shortly thereafter. In Sep.1997, the Explorer 902 was introduced with enhancements including an improved NOTAR inlet design and a more powerful stabilizer control system. The benefits of these changes included improved range and endurance, and an increased maximum takeoff weight. With exclusive NOTAR anti-torque technology, MD Helicopters, including the Explorer 902, continue to be the only helicopters in the world to operate without a tail rotor, an extraordinary safety and noise reduction advantage.
“This is only the beginning of our journey to introduce monumental new technologies that will set the standard for future rotorcraft safety and effectiveness,” commented Ms. Tilton. “We look forward to serving our operators with new enhancements that keep MD Explorer at the forefront of technological innovation.”
Visit MD Helicopters at booth N4121 at the 2013 HELI-EXPO, to meet with product specialists and to see this capable twin’s wide-open cabin and advanced design.
About Patriarch Partners, LLC
Patriarch Partners, LLC, is an investment firm and holding company managing 75 companies with annual revenues in excess of $8 billion. Founded by Wall Street veteran Lynn Tilton in 2000, Patriarch is dedicated to saving American manufacturing jobs by saving American companies that have fallen from economic favor. Since inception, the Patriarch family of funds has bought more than 150 companies, and in so doing has saved over 250,000 jobs. Patriarch’s platform includes a broad range of industrial concerns including Dura Automotive, Oasis Water and American LaFrance, in addition to iconic American brands such as Rand McNally, MD Helicopters, Stila Cosmetics and Spiegel Catalogs. Under Ms. Tilton’s leadership, Patriarch has become the largest woman-owned business in America with companies in its platform providing employment to more than 120,000 persons. For more information, please visit www.patriarchpartners.com.
MD Helicopters Provides Skybooks With All 2013 Deliveries
Flight Operations and Maintenance Tracking Program Provides Enhanced Services to MD Operators
Mesa, Ariz. – MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), and SkyBOOKS, Inc are pleased to announce that all new 2013 MD Helicopters deliveries will receive a complementary 12 month subscription to the leading rotary wing SkyBOOKS Flight Operations and Maintenance Tracking program.
“The partnership between MD Helicopters, SkyBOOKS and our customers will allow us to provide enhanced services to those using the program,” said Craig Kitchen, Chief Commercial Officer for MDHI. “SkyBOOKS is a fully integrated program that will provide our company with better forecasting, reliability and configuration data. In our effort to be the best-in-industry provider of customer support, SkyBOOKS will allow us visibility into consolidated field inventories to better support our global customer demands.”
The SkyBOOKS functionality provided includes:
Flight Operations
Flight Operations and Pilot Flight Logs
Crew Scheduling
Crew Currency Tracking & Alerting
Aircraft and Crew Expense Tracking
Aircraft Dispatch Controls
Maintenance Tracking
Aircraft Maintenance Due List
AD/SB/Manual Notifications & Tracking
Removed Component & Warranty Alerting
Document Attachment & Document Vault
MEL and Discrepancy Tracking & Alerting
SkyBOOKS Chief Operating officer John Willis, said, “We are pleased to be selected by MD Helicopters as a key partner to deploy our leading rotary wing technological solutions, which will provide customers with on-line tools to ensure regulatory compliance, eliminate inadvertent over flights, and improve operating efficiency. Our tools will allow all users access to live time aircraft and crew status, operating limitations and critical historical flight/maintenance information.”
The MD offering will also include the newly released Ipad App, which will allow flight line or cockpit use even when internet access is not possible. SkyBOOKS will also be offering special incentives for those MD Helicopter operators that have mixed fleets or other legacy aircraft they would like to add their SkyBOOKS on-line fleet.
SkyBOOKS will be available at the MD Helicopters HAI booth to answer any questions or to demonstrate the functionality available to existing and future operators. You may request or reserve a dedicated introductory demonstration time by contacting Sales@skybooks.com or contacting the MD Helicopters support team at the HAI booth.
About SkyBooks
SkyBOOKS, Inc., based in Jacksonville, Fla., is a Textron Company Aviation Management Solution Software-as-a-Service provider. It provides analyst-supported, web-based aviation solutions to corporate and government flight operations to users around the world via its own highly-secure Tier 4 data center. SkyBOOKS manages the information-processing requirements for any size rotary- and fixed-wing business aviation operation over the Internet on a subscription basis. More information is available at www.SkyBOOKS.com by e-mail at sales@skybooks.com.
MD Helicopters Receives Order for MD500E From Bering Air
New Helicopter to Expand Capabilities for Alaskan Utility Missions
Mesa, Ariz. – MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, announced an order from Bering Air for a new MD 500E helicopter. Based in Nome, Alaska, Bering Air is among the largest fixed and rotary wing fleet operators in Western Alaska.
The aircraft was purchased to support the construction of microwave Internet towers, along with a wide variety of other charters in the mineral exploration fields, as well as animal survey and capture work for customers, including the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
“We are proud to support Bering Air, as they expand their offering to include greater utility and Arctic operation capability,” said Craig Kitchen, Chief Commercial Officer of MDHI. “The MD 500E helicopter is an exceptional utility aircraft and delivers the highest speed, payload and productivity in its class. Bering Air can operate with the confidence that this reliable and versatile aircraft will provide exceptional, dependable performance for its mission.”
Bering Air is the latest MDHI customer to depend on the MD 500E for demanding utility missions. The aircraft was selected to increase the level of support to its current customers and provide new capabilities to fly Arctic missions. Flights traveling north of 60 degrees latitude specifically require use of aircraft propelled by kerosene based fuels such as Jet A. The new order represents Bering Air’s first turbine helicopter, adding to their current fleet of three Robinson R44s.
“We specialize in remote site logistics. For utility operations, our helicopters must safely and reliably transport heavy equipment and workers into remote areas in challenging environmental conditions,” said Russell Rowe, Chief Helicopter Pilot for Bering Air. “Arctic operations are very remote and we are counting on the dependability of the MD Helicopter product and maintenance support program to deliver mission versatility with reliable and low cost performance.”
The MD 500E provides first class front and rear seating with spacious legroom, for added comfort. The 500E performance and flying characteristics also enable decreased cycle times, allowing for more load movements per minute, reducing overall hours flown and increasing the efficiency of the operation. Bering Air estimates that the new helicopter will fly 500hrs in a typical year. According to Bering Air, the new MD 500E will provide an increase in hook lifting capacity to 1,200lbs, which is double their current platform.
The helicopter is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2013 and Bering Air has entrusted their completion work to MD Helicopters. For more information on MD Helicopters visit www.mdhelicopter.com .
About Bering Air
Bering Air is an American regional airline headquartered in Nome, Alaska, USA. It operates domestic scheduled passenger and charter services, as well as air ambulance and helicopter services. Its main base is Nome Airport, with hubs at Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (Kotzebue) and Unalakleet Airport. The airline was established in September 1979 and started operations on 3 October 1979. It was founded, and is wholly owned, by James Rowe (President) and Christine Rowe. Since 1979, Bering Air has provided quality passenger and cargo service to the people of Western Alaska. They have scheduled flights to villages in Western Alaska, and charter flights across Alaska, Canada and the Russian Far East.
MD Receives New 500E Order From Polk County Florida Sheriff’s Office
New Helicopter to Increase Safety and Effectiveness of PCSO Law Enforcement Missions
Mesa, Ariz. – MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, announced a new order for a MD 500E helicopter from the Polk County Florida Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). The new MD 500E is the first order in a program to replace an aging fleet of three military surplus OH58’s.
“We are pleased to receive this new order to support the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit,” said Craig Kitchen, Chief Commercial Officer of MDHI. “The 500E is a versatile, proven aircraft, equipped to support the rigors of law enforcement missions. Its speed, durability, maneuverability and overall performance are unmatched in a police helicopter.”
Following a detailed review of competitive aircraft, the PCSO selected the MD 500E as the best helicopter to support its law enforcement missions. This PCSO Aviation Unit supports ground units with pursuits, backup, surveillance, and the search for suspects and missing persons.
“My staff researched and evaluated helicopters and manufacturers for over a year before we decided that it was in our best interest, and in the interest of the safety and security of the people of Polk County, to do business with MD Helicopters, Inc.,” said Sheriff Grady Judd of the PCSO. “We are proud to announce this purchase of our first MD 500E helicopter to phase out the aging helicopters in our fleet. We are looking forward to a continued relationship with the fine professionals at MDHI.”
The MD 500E helicopter delivers the highest speed, payload and productivity in its class. The newly ordered helicopter will start the PSCO’s replacement plan of its current fleet of aging aircraft. The aircraft will be equipped with a 420-shp Rolls-Royce 250-C20B turbine engine and a complete law enforcement performance package. The MD 500E cockpit configuration will include a full complement of modern avionics with NVG lighting, Garmin radios, an Avalex monitor and a Technisonic tactical radio. Utility features include a Meeker mount, Nightsun searchlight, 2,000 lb. cargo hook, auxiliary fuel tank and wire strike protection kit.
Equipped with seven full-time pilots and 10 part-time flight officers, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit began back in 1972, when it started with two fixed-wing aircraft. Helicopters were added to the aviation unit in 1982. In 1995 four U.S. Army surplus OH-58’s were acquired. Currently the PCSO Aviation Unit operates the three OH 58 turbine helicopters and one Cessna 182 fixed wing aircraft.
About Polk County Sheriff’s Office
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) is a full service law enforcement agency serving Polk County Florida. Polk County is the fourth largest county in the state with 2,010.2 total square miles, 1,874.9 square miles of which is land area. The Sheriff is an independent constitutional officer and by function is statutorily charged with the responsibility of providing all primary law enforcement services within Polk County. The agency also provides related law enforcement services to the entire county, including: civil and criminal process, limited service response, assistance to municipal agencies, crime prevention and education programs, victim assistance services and providing school crossing guards for the Polk County School System. The Sheriff’s Office employs 1,578 full-time (623 sworn, 382 certified, 573 civilians), 256 part-time, and has over 3,000 volunteer members. For more information on PCSO visit www.polksheriff.org.
About MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company, is a leading manufacturer of commercial, military, law enforcement and air-rescue helicopters. The MDHI family of rotorcraft is world renowned for its value, versatility and performance. The MD Helicopters family includes the twin-engine MD Explorer, and single engine versions of the MD 600N, MD 520N, MD 500E, MD 530F and MD 540F. The innovative NOTAR system for anti-torque control with no tail rotor is used exclusively by MD Helicopters to provide safer, quieter and confined-area access capability. The company is based in Mesa, Arizona. For more information about MDHI, visit www.mdhelicopters.com.